Customer Reviews

Jason Castro

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Unlike many, before the release of Jason Castro's self-titled debut, I'd never heard of him. On the other hand, I'm a huge music fan and have been a DJ and collector since the mid 1970s. That said, Jason Castro, to me was a surprise... a very big surprise.

I looked at his boyish good looks, his trendy dreadlocks and association with American Idol and was predisposed to brushing off this music altogether. Glad I took a listen first.

The main selling point of this album and artist is this guy's voice. He's got chops where it matters. Silky smooth vocals ala Maxi Priest with just the right rock singer raspyness. Bottom line is this guy's voice is amazing. Throw in his ability to play guitar and write most of his own music, and I think it's fair to say, the combination has future superstar written all over it.

The 4 star rating vs. 5 stars is only because not every song knocks it out of the park. There are no bad songs here, just a few that are not on par with the best of the album. I may be late to the party in saying that "Hallelujah" and "That's What I'm Here For" are flat out fantastic folk-pop tunes! (I know they were huge hits on iTunes back during the 2007 American Idol season -- but I don't watch American Idol.) "Let's Fall In Love" and "Closer" are also standouts.

Clearly being signed to Sony Music a full 2 years after being on American Idol is no fluke. I'm sure this is the first of many great albums from a very talented young singer-songwriter.

It isn't surprising to me I lost track of Jason Castro after American Idol's seventh season, even though I'd always thought he had an interesting, unique tone to his voice. I, like many others I'm sure, got so caught up in the battle of the Davids that the other contestants fell by the wayside. Besides, I didn't feel he was right for Idol's format, and I sensed his frustration and an "I don't really care" attitude about his music and his future.

Boy, was I ever wrong! Judging from what I'm hearing on his official debut, Jason not only cares about his music, he sings with such honesty and passion that listeners can't help but feel it as well.

I'm glad I didn't judge Jason's album solely on the light and fun first track, "Let's Just Fall In Love Again". While it does capture Jason's laid-back, carefree personality, it doesn't hint at the depth and quality of the songs that follow. I love that the producers have allowed Jason to be himself by keeping the overall vibe very loose and not weighing down these well-written songs with a lot of unnecessary instrumentation or special effects. Backing vocals and musical arrangements never get in the way of the acoustic guitar and Jason's intimate delivery of the mainly love/relationship-based lyrics. The record sounds natural and presents Jason as a folk pop singer-songwriter in the same vein as artists like Matt Nathanson, Jason Mraz and Gavin DeGraw.

This is truly one of those rare albums where I don't feel the need to skip over any of the tracks. However, there are four songs that move me the most. "This Heart Of Mine" is a high-energy ballad that showcases Jason's vocal range. "That's What I'm Here For" has an exquisite melody with a catchy chorus and a fantastic string arrangement. "You Can Always Come Home" is a duet where the female vocalist (Serena Ryder) sings a very complimentary harmony...everything sounds absolutely beautiful and you can really feel their connection. My personal favorite, "It Matters To Me", is a poignant, introspective ballad where the musical arrangement reminds me of some of my favorite, older Lifehouse songs...the use of delay effects creates an amazing atmosphere...simply stunning. Also, the recorded version of Jason's shining moment on American Idol ("Hallelujah") is incredible...most who felt it then should feel it now. Almost every song is fantasically melodic. It's one of those records where everything just seems to work.

Jason, you've got my attention now... A+

This is a Make You Feel Good Cd, from start to finish.
I really like the duet with Serena Ryder, "You Can Always Come Home", and the second single from the album "That's What I'm Here For". But they are all good songs. Not a bad one in the bunch.

I love most of the songs...just wish the cd had a few more tracks....jason continues to show us how amazing his bluesy voice is...hope his next cd doesn't take another 2 years!!! Love Jason!!

I think most everyone will enjoy this album. There is a good mixture of songs - some upbeat and others that soothe the soul - all are wonderful. Jason's voice is amazing and he sure delivers the goods on this album. Buy it - you will love it.

Out of all the Idol contestants debut albums, I dare say this is arguably the best. It proves the best perk of NOT winning American Idol is that you really have the opportunity to put out work that represents you as an artist as opposed to being forced to make a cookie-cutter pop cd thrown together in a few months by a mish-mosh of writers and producers paid to cash in on a contestants fame as quickly as possible before they fade from the public's mind after the season ends.

I must admit I wasn't particularly wowed by Castro on the show - thought he had a pleasant voice and different style, but that's about it (though his performance of his "Hallelujah" was memorable). After listeing to samples of this album out of curiosity, I thought it sounded great and placed my order. Anyway, there's no "breaking in" period for this album. It's filled with catchy songs that I liked instantly - the first 3 tracks in particular would be PERFECT on the sountrack/in the background of a romantic comedy. In fact, I wouldn't be suprised if I start hearing these songs in movies soon.

This is one of the very few albums I own that I can listen to straight through because I like all the songs on it (some more than others). Two favorites that stick out are "That's What I'm here For" [sweet, genuine, mid-tempo with nice string arrangement] and "Closer" [also mid-tempo; more upbeat].

My only gripe is that I pre-ordered my copy on Amazon months ago, and I wish they would have sent me a notice saying a longer version was also going to be released because I sure would have loved to have those 3 extra tracks which I'll now have to buy separately. :( Do yourself a favor and get the extended edition.

This CD is wonderful! I love every single song! I am really enjoying "This Heart of Mine" and "All Wrapped Up". "Hallelujah" is absolutely beautiful. It's great to finally have a full-length recording of the song that first attracted me to this very gifted musician.

Congratulations, Jason!! Thanks for the music. :)

I am really impressed with this CD! The songs fit his voice & style so well. I wasn't expecting to like all the songs, but I really, really do. He used his time wisely and made a very sound & truly enjoyable album.

This is a well-crafted, beautifully sung, minimally-produced exploration of the various aspects of love. Given the subject (and the artist's experiences) the songs mostly tilt happy--which I appreciate!--but the songs range from the elated to the playful to the poignant to the supportive. I really like that the songs are melodically varied (sadly unusual nowadays) and yet thematically linked. And I love the overall acoustic sound and the warm, heartfelt vocals. This is definitely an artist to keep an eye on!

I watched Jason Castro on Idol. I even saw him perform recently in Tampa, Fl. While I was there, I picked up his CD. I really didn't know what to expect. I've rarely had a CD that I like to listen to over and over, but this sure is one of them. My husband and I play it almost every day; while cleaning, making the kids dinner or just hanging around in the house. What makes this CD so special is the tone of the music. It's upbeat and catchy. I find myself singing the songs in my head all the time. My husband even took this album with him while hiking the Grand Canyon and that says a lot. We are both in our forties.
I would have to say Jason has a large, audience appeal. The twenty somethings love him and we certainly do too. I would buy this CD again hands down. It's my favorite. You can't help but feel good while listening to it. Isn't that what music is all about?